Fantazy Man downs Sunrise to land Claimer Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen teamed up with Fantazy Man to land the opening Harrington Concrete & Quarries Optional Claiming Race at Ballinrobe. Unplaced on all three previous starts, the Shaman gelding was stepping up in trip here on his first run outside of maiden company. Wearing cheekpieces for the first-time, the well supported 11/8f was smartly into stride, chasing front-runner Sunriseontheboyne from the stalls. Pushed along over two-furlongs out, Fantazy Man looked to be fighting a losing battle until drawing alongside the leader over a furlong out. To his credit, he found plenty inside the final 200 yards, going away to win by two-and-a-half lengths. Sunriseontheboyne held second, with Weegeebear back in third. “He was very green. He fell around for most of it, really, I had to drag him around,” said Ben Coen. “I got him balanced in the last furlong and he ran out a good winner, he hit the line strong. “On his first two runs he was kind of like a rabbit in the headlights a bit. His last run was okay and Donnacha’s filly (Atsila) came out and franked the form. “We thought he’d run well here today if he handled the track. I think back on a nicer track he’ll be even better again.” When asked if he would get further he added:- “I think so. He gives himself every chance, he races behind the bridle so he’s one that should keep improving.” There were no claims following this race. Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
